Leo Martínez
Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is one of the world's most famous artworks. Painted between 1494 and 1498, it is located on a wall in the dining hall of the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. The painting is huge, measuring 460 cm × 880 cm (15 ft 1 in × 28 ft 10 in) or 23 ft tall and 29 ft wide, according to varying sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Leonardo da Vinci |
| Year | c. 1494–1498 |
| Technique | Tempera and oil on gypsum preparation |
| Dimensions | 4.60 metres high x 8.80 metres wide (15 feet 1 inch x 28 feet 10 inches) or 23 feet tall x 29 feet wide |
| Location | On the wall of the dining room of the former Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan, Italy |
| Tickets | Must be booked in advance and sold as part of a package |
| Visiting time | 15 minutes |
| Group size | 25-35 people |
| Recent restoration | 1999 |
| UNESCO status | Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 |
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What You'll Learn
The painting's dimensions: 4.6m x 8.8m
The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1494 and 1498, is a huge painting that measures 4.6 metres high and 8.8 metres wide. It is Leonardo's largest work, and it covers an entire end wall of the dining hall at the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy.
The painting is considered perhaps the most important mural painting in the world. Giorgio Vasari, in his "Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors and Architects", described it as "a beautiful and marvellous thing". The Last Supper is also one of the most celebrated and well-known artworks in the world and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Leonardo did not use the traditional fresco technique to paint The Last Supper. Instead, he chose a method that would enable him to paint on dry plaster and work slowly, allowing him to make changes. The painting was made with tempera and oil on a gypsum preparation.
Due to the methods used, environmental factors, and intentional damage, little of the original painting remains today, despite numerous restoration attempts. The most recent restoration was completed in 1999, where scientific methods were used to restore the original colours and eliminate traces of paint from previous restoration attempts.
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It's painted on a wall
The painting of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is a monumental work, not only for its artistic merit and iconic status but also for its sheer size and unique wall-bound nature. Unlike traditional paintings executed on canvas or panel, The Last Supper is a mural, meaning it is painted directly onto a wall. This presents a unique set of challenges and considerations when discussing its size.
Located in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church in Milan, Italy, The Last Supper covers an entire wall, measuring approximately 4.6 meters tall by 8.8 meters wide (15 feet by 29 feet). The massive scale of the painting is a product of its intended function and the space it occupies. Da Vinci designed the work to be viewed from a distance, with the perspective and proportions calculated to create a sense of depth and immersion when seen from the opposite end of the dining hall.
The choice to paint The Last Supper directly onto the wall was a deliberate one. Fresco painting, the technique da Vinci employed, involves applying pigment to wet plaster. This method ensures the painting becomes an integral part of the wall itself, with the colors lasting for centuries if properly executed and maintained. However, it also presents challenges, as the artist must work swiftly before the plaster dries, and any corrections or alterations are extremely difficult to make.
The wall on which The Last Supper is painted is not flat; it features architectural elements that da Vinci incorporated into his composition. The painting is divided into three main sections, with the central portion depicting Christ and the apostles at the table, and the side sections showing the surrounding architecture, including simulated apertures that create the illusion of depth. This use of trompe l'oeil, or "fool the eye," techniques enhances the sense of three-dimensional space and draws viewers into the scene.
The size and placement of The Last Supper serve a symbolic purpose as well. The refectory where the painting resides was used by the Dominican monks for their meals. Da Vinci's masterpiece, with its immense scale and dramatic depiction of Christ's final meal with his apostles, would have provided a constant reminder of their faith and the sacrifice made by Christ. The painting's proximity to the dining area would have further emphasized this connection between the sacred and the everyday.
In conclusion, the size and wall-bound nature of The Last Supper are integral aspects of the work's impact and meaning. Da Vinci's masterful use of perspective and composition, combined with the unique challenges of fresco painting, resulted in a powerful and immersive work of art that continues to captivate and inspire viewers centuries later.
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It's survived bombings and bad restorations
The original Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci has had a tumultuous history, surviving both bombings and poor restoration attempts over the centuries. The painting, which measures 4.6 metres by 8.8 metres (15 feet by 29 feet), has endured a lot since its creation in the late 15th century.
Da Vinci painted The Last Supper on a wall in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery in Milan, using an experimental technique that would later contribute to its deterioration. Rather than the traditional fresco method, where pigment is mixed with wet plaster, he chose to paint on a dry wall, allowing for more nuanced shading and the ability to work at a slower pace. However, this technique, known as "a secco," made the painting more susceptible to damage over time.
Within just a few decades, the painting began to deteriorate due to factors such as humidity, mold, and fluctuations in temperature. Over the centuries, various restoration attempts were made, some of which caused more harm than good. The first significant restoration was undertaken in 1726 by Michelangelo Bellotti, who essentially repainted large sections of the work, altering the original composition and adding details that were not part of da Vinci's design.
The painting suffered more damage during World War II. In 1943, a bomb dropped by an Allied aircraft exploded near the refectory, damaging the building and causing the roof to collapse. Thankfully, the wall bearing The Last Supper remained standing, protected by sandbags and a protective brick structure that had been erected beforehand. However, the painting was exposed to the elements for several years, accelerating its deterioration.
Post-war restorations began in 1948 and continued for over two decades. These efforts focused on removing earlier overpainting and attempting to restore the original colors and details. However, these restorations were also criticized for being overly aggressive and for altering some of da Vinci's original work. More recent restorations have taken a more conservative approach, aiming to stabilize the painting and minimize further deterioration.
Despite the various interventions and challenges it has faced, The Last Supper remains one of the most iconic and influential paintings in Western art history. Visitors can still view the painting at the Santa Maria delle Grazie, where it continues to captivate and inspire, a testament to both da Vinci's genius and the resilience of his artwork.
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A door was cut through it in 1652
The original Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci is a monumental work of art, measuring 460 cm by 880 cm (15 feet by 29 feet). It was painted onto the end wall of the dining hall at the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery in Milan, Italy. Due to its large size and mural nature, the painting has had a somewhat turbulent history, including a period where its existence was threatened by damage and human intervention.
> A door was cut through it in 1652.
This statement highlights one of the most infamous episodes in the history of the painting's preservation. In the mid-17th century, a door was indeed cut into the lower part of the painting. This act of vandalism was carried out to provide easier access to a new sacristy that was being constructed adjacent to the refectory where the painting is located. Imagine, a doorway was carved right through the sacred scene, permanently altering Leonardo's masterpiece.
The decision to pierce a hole in a Renaissance masterpiece may seem shocking, but it reflects the different values and priorities of that time. In the 17th century, the practical needs of the monastery often took precedence over the preservation of a painting, even one as renowned as The Last Supper. Additionally, the painting had already suffered significant damage by this time, so the intervention may have been seen as necessary for the functionality of the monastery, regardless of the artistic consequences.
This event also underscores the challenges of preserving art that is integrated into architecture. Mural paintings, by their very nature, are vulnerable to the changes and renovations that buildings undergo over centuries. The Last Supper's location made it particularly susceptible to damage and alteration, and the cutting of the door in 1652 is a stark reminder of this ongoing preservation challenge.
Today, the door is no longer there, having been removed during one of the painting's many restorations. The empty space, however, remains a poignant reminder of the painting's fragile existence and the interventions it has endured. This incident also serves as a valuable lesson in the history of art conservation, influencing how we approach the preservation of art and historical sites today with greater care and consideration.
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It's in Milan, Italy
The iconic mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is situated in Milan, Italy, and its presence attracts visitors from all over the world. The painting is housed within the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie, a 15th-century church and Dominican convent, and its location is integral to the city's rich cultural heritage. Milan, a bustling metropolis in Northern Italy, is known for its fashion, design, and artistic legacy, and The Last Supper is undoubtedly one of its most prized possessions.
The painting's journey to its current home was not without challenges. Completed in 1498, it began to deteriorate almost immediately due to da Vinci's experimental technique and the humid climate of the refectory. Over the centuries, it endured multiple restoration attempts, some more damaging than others, and even survived World War II bombings, which destroyed a significant portion of the convent but miraculously left the refectory standing.
Today, visitors to Milan can find The Last Supper in its original location within the refectory. The church and convent are located in the heart of the city, not far from other notable attractions such as the Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The area surrounding Santa Maria delle Grazie is a vibrant and historic part of Milan, offering a glimpse into the city's rich cultural past.
Seeing The Last Supper in person is a unique and memorable experience. Unlike traditional paintings displayed in museums, this mural is presented within the context of its original setting, adding to its impact. Visitors can stand before the mural, taking in its impressive size and the emotional depth captured by da Vinci's brushstrokes, while also appreciating the architectural beauty of the refectory itself.
Milan, Italy, is not just the custodian of The Last Supper, but also a city that has embraced and celebrated this masterpiece. The painting's influence can be felt throughout Milan, from the pride locals take in their city's artistic heritage to the inspiration it continues to spark in new generations of artists and creatives. The Last Supper is an integral part of Milan's cultural identity, and its presence enriches the city and all who encounter it.
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Frequently asked questions
The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1494 and 1498, is 460 cm × 880 cm (15 ft × 28 ft) or 29 ft wide and 23 ft tall.
The painting is located in Milan, Italy, on the end wall of the dining hall at the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
No, Leonardo did not use the traditional fresco technique to paint The Last Supper. Instead, he used tempera and oil on a gypsum preparation, which allowed him to paint on dry plaster and make changes slowly.
